[Closed] Internet Shopping Contract Law

This might help

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/consumer_w/consumer_different_ways_of_buying_e/consumer_buying_by_internet_mail_order_or_phone_e/how_a_distance_sale_contract_is_made.htm

Practical example – online contracts

Step one

You open a shopping website and go to the page on ‘kitchenware’ because you want to buy a toaster. The page displays lots of different toasters with prices and descriptions.

This is usually called an invitation to treat. The trader is inviting you to look at their goods. At this stage, they are not making you an offer.

Step two

You see a £10 toaster that you like, click on ‘add to shopping basket’ and go to the online checkout. You enter your bank details to pay for the toaster and are asked to tick a box saying you have read the terms and conditions.

You click ‘confirm’ to confirm your order.

By confirming your order, you are making an offer to the trader to buy the toaster for £10.

It is important for you to agree to the terms and conditions for a contract to be made.

Step three

The trader sends you an email that confirms your order. The email contains information about the terms and conditions saying ‘ACCEPTANCE: acceptance will take place when the goods are dispatched to you.’

You do not yet have a contract.

Step four

You receive an email a week later to say your goods have been sent to you.

Acceptance has taken place and you have a finalised contract.

The suggestion is that the contract isn't complete until the seller sends the goods. In the case of "pickup in store" I guess that would be the point they are handed over to you

To quote the website

2.2. The Order shall only be deemed accepted by Halfords when you have paid for the goods, monies received by *COMPANY* and the goods have been dispatched. Any email, order confirmation or other electronic acknowledgement by us of receipt of an order does not constitute legal acceptance by *COMPANY* of your order.

Ive had a confirmation via Phone of the goods being in store to pick up (turned out to be false).

I dont know if that helps?

Jon

I'd have thought it was as I suggested. "Despatch" = you picking it up in store.

IANAL

i think the phrase I used last time that happened to me "was - yes I've read your terms and conditions but I'd expect a reputable company to come up with a reasonable resolution that makes me as a customer feel happy about dealing with you...so far the experience has been an inconvenient waste of my time...so what do you intend to do"

Halfords, pick up in store, ha ha, their stock control is appaling and they will lie to you telling you someone tried to ring you to let you know it was out of stock. Move on and don't consider using them again, it's what I did.

If they've taken your money, they've accepted the contract. The bit in their T&Cs there about delivery is bobbins.

Halfords certainly seem to have some issues with too good to be true offers. But on the other hand, I'm willing to have a punt with them if it means picking up a Deore front brake for £33 like last week. Arrived on time, and the Bikehut guys at Guiseley rang me immediately to let me know.

Cougar - Moderator
If they've taken your money, they've accepted the contract. The bit in their T&Cs there about delivery is bobbins.

Try telling On One/Planet X that........